Healthcare Corruption in Czechia, (Prague, 24 October 2025) — The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), together with the Czech National Centre for Organised Crime, has frozen €7.9 million in assets as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in public procurement of medical equipment for state hospitals.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount frozen | € 7.9 million |
| Suspects | 10 previous + 2 new |
| Companies charged | 7 |
| Period of activity | since 2022 |
| Authorities | EPPO & NCOZ (Prague) |
| EU programme involved | REACT-EU |
Healthcare Corruption
Investigators believe an organised group manipulated hospital tenders, favouring selected suppliers and, in some cases, bypassing official bidding procedures.
Purchased items included operating tables, laparoscopic and arthroscopic tools, endoscopes, defibrillators, drills, and ventilators.
Preferred suppliers allegedly helped draft tender specifications, obtained confidential data on competitors, and adapted contracts to their benefit.
Czech Hospitals in Corruption Scandal
Winning suppliers reportedly paid 10 % kickbacks to public officials through intermediaries.
The group allegedly laundered the money via fake invoices for non-existent services before distributing cash among members.
Part of the equipment was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (REACT-EU), bringing the case under EPPO jurisdiction.
Legal Status
Healthcare Corruption in Czechia, all suspects and entities are presumed innocent until proven guilty by Czech courts. EPPO continues to gather evidence with national authorities.
Bribes in Medical Equipment Deals
The case highlights EPPO’s determination to protect EU funds and combat corruption in public procurement, ensuring fair competition and integrity in the use of European resources.
Consequences of Inaction
If such corruption remains unchecked, it will lead to budget losses, lower quality of public services, and erosion of trust in EU institutions and national governments. Vigilant oversight is essential to prevent systemic abuse of EU funds in healthcare and beyond.